Ancelotti’s new Brazil cycle: Who could make the cut for the friendlies against India and Australia?

September 9 could be a landmark day for both Brazilian and Indian football fans. Carlo Ancelotti is expected to announce Brazil’s squad for the September-October international window at 11:30pm IST, with the Seleção scheduled to face Australia before travelling to Kolkata to take on India.

Ancelotti has already mentioned that he wants to use the next generation in the upcoming friendlies. He has also been taking a keen interest in Brazilian football and has recently been travelling around Europe to see potential picks in the flesh. He looked at Alexsandro, Lucas Beraldo and Marquinhos in particular during Lille v PSG, while his tour of Europe also included Chelsea v Brighton, where João Pedro impressed.

“We will take advantage of the three friendlies to call up new players for the national team, especially young players,” Ancelotti told the CBF.

Based on his comments, recent selections and reports of his scouting across Europe, here is our predicted 26-man squad.

Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza, Lucas Arcanjo, Otávio

Defenders: Lucas Beraldo, Bremer, Gabriel Magalhães, Marquinhos, Murillo

Full-backs: Kaiki Bruno, Luciano Juba, Matheuzinho, Wesley

Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães, Danilo, Gabriel Sara, Gerson, Matheus Pereira

Forwards: Endrick, Estêvão, João Pedro, Matheus Cunha, Pedro, Raphinha, Rayan, Vinícius Júnior

Defence: A major area for renewal

Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães are standout senior figures who are likely to survive the transition, and it’s interesting that Beraldo is still around. Ancelotti personally watched the PSG defender against Lille recently. Alexsandro was another player under his close observation during his European tour.

One of the areas to be renewed for 2030, as things stand, is Brazil’s full-back positions. Ancelotti had Kaiki Bruno and Juba in his broader plans, while Wesley was named in the World Cup squad before his injury.

Midfield: Experience meets the next generation

Bruno Guimarães is still one of the most established names in Ancelotti’s side. Gabriel Sara is a particularly interesting case. One of the players Ancelotti brought in during his first year in charge, Sara has started the new season well for Galatasaray, with three goal contributions in his opening three matches, according to UOL.

Neymar’s selection for the national team is arguably the biggest question mark, as the 34-year-old suffered a right thigh or hamstring injury during Santos’ Copa do Brasil quarter-final second leg against Palmeiras on September 2, 2026.

Attack: Brazil’s exciting new generation

There’s a good blend of established stars and players who could be the face of Brazil’s next cycle. Vini Jr and Raphinha remain obvious choices, while Ancelotti has already entrusted Endrick and Rayan. Rayan was one of the young players in particular whom the coach tried out before the World Cup.

One other name to watch is João Pedro. Ancelotti had travelled to London partly to watch Brazilian players, and the Chelsea striker put on an impressive display against Brighton, contributing directly to three goals.

The new-cycle philosophy would also be perfect for the inclusion of Estêvão. Ancelotti has kept an eye on the young player, although he did not play against Brighton.

But one thing is already certain for Indian football: whoever Ancelotti chooses, Brazil’s first visit to Kolkata is going to be one of the biggest football events India has ever hosted.

The post Ancelotti’s new Brazil cycle: Who could make the cut for the friendlies against India and Australia? appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.